Chapter 117: Returning Home

As they walked in silence, towards the dawn, Amarena suddenly spoke.

"They fought hard, admirably."

"I wish I had been there," Kir replied after a long moment.

"Your regret means nothing. You could have made a difference, but that is not what happened. To dwell on such is to wage an unwinnable fight with yourself," she said. Then she added, "Do not ask a Wrathian for coddling, Heresy's Son."

Kir felt tears well up in his eyes. He felt angry. Angry at himself for forgetting Stella. For not knowing just how swiftly Brooker would send the adventurers out to do his dirty work.

He regretted not killing the man even more now. For a few moments, he imagined turning around and flying back to the outpost. Leveling it from afar with magic, no matter the pain or cost...

"Your wrath is strong," Amarena interrupted his thoughts. "Cold, like mine... You are much closer to your zin'ai than when we last met..."